Question

I have a friend who claims that salvation is a "three-part" process, with each step dependent on the other: First, Repentance, then Confession, and lastly Baptism.  How should I answer her?

Answer

 Good question, but a very typical one.  My answer is always the same, and that is to point her to the thief on the cross!  The gospel is an "eternal gospel":   "....I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth - to every nation, tribe, language and people."  [Revelation 14:6]   The gospel has been the same from Adam and Eve, to the thief on the cross, to us, and to the last person saved in the Millennium....and that gospel has always been by faith and faith alone:   "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -  not by works, so that no one can boast. " [Ephesians 2:8-9]  

Whoever is saved, from Adam and Eve to the very end, must have the same gospel, and it must work for anyone at any time, no exceptions or waivers!  The thief on the cross was saved by simply Repenting, Believing, and Submitting to Christ.  There is no baptism ever as a part of salvation, for there never was and there never will be.  Your friend is wrong--point her to the thief on the cross, and tell her, whatever gospel she wants to believe in has to work for all people, in all circumstances, for all ages.


Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "Tony Capoccia's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986